Date of this Version

Citation

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Copyright 1998 by the authors

Abstract

Wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are exotic large mammals inhabiting much of California. The foraging behavior (rooting) of these prolific animals disturbs soil much like rototilling. This disruptive behavior is a major point of contention for public land managers and private landowners, especially owners of small parcels of private land.

Wild pigs are lawfully defined as game mammals (Section 3950, Fish and Game Code). As such, no part of a wild pig that would normally be eaten by humans can be legally left to waste in the field (Section 4304, Fish and Game Code). There are provisions (Sections 4181 and 4181.1, Fish and Game Code) that allow the taking of wild pigs causing damage to private property with a depredation permit issued by the California Department of Fish and Game. Animals taken under the authority of a depredation permit are required to be properly cared for (eviscerated) and made available to non-profit organizations for human consumption. This process has been deemed too cumbersome by many private landowners who have property damaged by wild pigs.